The West Point cadets are now in hot water with some critics saying the photo is a violation of the long tradition and strict rule at the U.S. Military Academy that prohibits any kind of political statement in uniform.

The pose the candidates struck has been used by the Black Lives Matter organization and Beyonce during her controversial Super Bowl performance that some saw as a tribute to the Black Panthers of the 1960s.

The photo was released online last month and has raised eyebrows with comments like: "If their military careers flame out, maybe Beyonce can give these gals jobs on her road crew.”

Tony Lombardo, editor of The Army Times, broke the story about the controversial photo.

He told IE: "This is a very serious situation that these women find themselves in. Even if they didn't mean to make a political statement, in the U.S. military you can still get in trouble for this, they could still be charged. It could kill their careers."

Seventeen African-American women are scheduled to graduate later this month. All but one posed for the controversial photo in dress grays.